Our Section Organizer
Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker’s journey with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) began at the North Eastern Episcopal District Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, held at First AME Zion Church in Brooklyn, NY. For those unfamiliar, this annual conference is when Bishops from various districts gather to organize their churches, appointing ordained ministers to different posts and assigning leaders to departments within their districts. Most appointments are announced at the conclusion of the conference.

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At that time, Johnnie was an active member—a Missionary and choir member—but she held no formal leadership role in the Zion Church. So when she heard her name called, she didn’t move, believing it must have been a mistake. A friend who accompanied her urged, “That’s you they’re calling! Go get your certificate!” Reluctantly, Johnnie went up and received the appointment. To her surprise, the certificate named her as the WH&OMS Representative to the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. She was told that this was a great honor bestowed by the Bishop, and she was expected to accept it.

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Though hesitant and intending to decline, Johnnie found that no one would admit to having submitted her name. After discussing her feelings with her pastor, they agreed she would attend the NCNW Headquarters in Washington, D.C., to learn more about the organization before making a final decision. Unknown to her, her church had already registered her for the upcoming NCNW Convention. Arriving at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for the convention, Johnnie felt as if she had stepped into “Black Female Heaven.” Thousands of dignified and powerful women—over 4,000 in fact—were gathered from all across the country.​ During a plenary session, Johnnie asked sincere questions about NCNW and its role in connection with the Church. However, the New York delegation considered her questions inappropriate and met them with boos that left her too embarrassed to continue.

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Noticing her discomfort, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, then President of NCNW, had an usher send Johnnie a note inviting her to meet privately after the session. In Dr. Height’s suite, amid other guests, Johnnie sat on the floor and listened intently as Dr. Height patiently explained the history, purpose, and founders of NCNW. Their conversation continued until 4:00 AM, just hours before the next session. Before parting, Dr. Height assigned Dr. Daley to provide Johnnie with further instruction in a workshop.

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That experience left a profound impact on Johnnie. She fell in love with the sisterhood and returned to New York energized and determined to establish a local section. With the support of like-minded women she met at the convention, she founded the Long Island Cross County Section of NCNW in Nassau County.Though many stories could be told about the challenges and triumphs of building that section, what followed would cement Johnnie’s leadership in the organization.

 

Dr. Height’s trust in Johnnie was deep. After founding her section, Johnnie was appointed State Convener for New York. Selected by her peers as Chair of the Convener Team, she helped write guidelines for section officers, leadership responsibilities, and convener duties. The team organized quarterly meetings, sent detailed reports to Dr. Height, and received approval to conduct leadership training across New York.​Johnnie’s influence grew when she was nominated from the floor and elected as a Member-at-Large on the NCNW National Board, securing the highest number of votes ever for such a nomination. The Honorable Alexis Herman notably insisted her name be placed on the ballot.Johnnie’s journey was not without struggle. She faced resistance and challenges but remained steadfast, sustained by faith and the support of fellow strong, like-minded women.

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Her dedication earned her many honors, including being named Woman of the Year by the Town of North Hempstead and at the Women’s Day Celebration at Jackson Memorial AME Zion Church. She has also been supported by prominent figures like Janice Mathis, Alexis Herman, and Ingrid Saunders Jones, who appointed her as National Co-Chair for NCNW’s premier fundraiser—the Bethune-Height Recognition Program.Johnnie Walker’s story is one of unexpected calling, divine guidance, and powerful sisterhood—a legacy that continues to inspire.